Relight Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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relight

[riːˈlaɪt ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Verb}

to start burning again

To ignite or cause to ignite again. To restart a fire that has gone out. To relight a candle or a fire. To reignite a flame or a spark.

Synonyms

fire up, ignite, rekindle.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
relight	used when a flame or light has gone out and needs to be started again, typically in the context of a candle or a small fire. She had to relight the candle after the wind blew it out
ignite	used in a literal sense to start a fire or cause something to burn, or figuratively to trigger a strong emotion or situation. The spark plug ignites the fuel in the engine His speech ignited the crowd's enthusiasm
rekindle	typically used to describe reviving something that is fading or has faded, such as a relationship, memory, or enthusiasm. They went on a trip to rekindle their romance The reunion helped rekindle old friendships
fire up	used to describe starting something that requires fuel or energy, like an engine or a grill. Can also have a metaphorical meaning of becoming excited or angry. He fired up the grill for the barbecue She really fired up when she heard the news

Examples of usage

The camper used a match to relight the campfire.
After the wind blew out the candle, she had to relight it.
He had to relight the pilot light on the stove.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Cultural Significance

In many cultures, lighting candles is symbolic of hope and remembrance, often used in rituals to signify renewal.
The act of relighting candles can be seen in celebrations, like birthdays, where extinguishing and relighting signifies the passage of time.
In literature and film, relighting a fire often symbolizes rekindling relationships or passions.

Science

Flames occur when a material (fuel) combines with oxygen at a high temperature, which is why relighting requires both fuel and a spark.
In terms of physics, light is an electromagnetic radiation that is visible to the human eye, making relighting an act of harnessing energy.
Studies have shown that certain materials, like wax, burn more efficiently when relit under optimal conditions.

Psychology

The concept of 'relighting' can metaphorically represent rekindling one's motivation or spirit after feeling low.
Research indicates that activities like lighting a candle can have calming effects, helping individuals to refocus their thoughts.
Nostalgia is often evoked when relighting candles at significant events, tying memories to sensory experiences.

Literature

In poetry, light often symbolizes knowledge or enlightenment, and relighting can signify the return of clarity in thought.
Famous authors incorporate themes of light and darkness to discuss human emotions and experiences, symbolizing hope through relighting.
Classic stories frequently use the motif of rekindling a flame to illustrate personal growth or moral recovery in characters.

Origin of 'relight'

Main points about word origin

The word 'relight' comes from the prefix 're-', meaning 'again', combined with 'light', which refers to making something bright.
The use of 'light' to mean 'to illuminate' dates back to Old English, showing how language evolves over time.
In various languages, similar constructs exist; for instance, in French, 'rallumer' means to light again.

The word 'relight' is a compound word formed from the prefix 're-', meaning 'again' or 'back', and the word 'light', which comes from the Old English word 'lēoht'. The concept of relighting has been important throughout human history, as fire has been essential for warmth, cooking, and light. The ability to relight a fire has been a crucial skill for survival in various cultures and environments.